A temperature sensor for body temperature measurement

Abstract

This invention relates to a temperature sensor for body temperature measurements. The temperature sensor is made of several layers, where a first layer has a central heater embedded therein, a second layer which is attached to the first layer has at least one first thermistor embedded therein for measuring a first temperature value, a third layer has at one ore second thermistor embedded therein separated from the first thermistor for measuring at least one second temperature value, but this third layer is adapted to be in contact to the skin of the surface of the body for conducting the heat escaping from the body through the layers. The difference between the first and the second temperature values indicates the heat flux from the body. The heat emitted from central heater is tuned oppositely to the heat flux until a zero heat flux is reached, where the temperature at the at least one second thermistor at zero heat flux indicates the body temperature. These layers are fabric layers.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensor for body temperature measurement and an object including the temperature sensor. Background technique [0002] In recent years, some progress has been made in the development of body core temperature sensors. A heat flux temperature sensor is an example of such a core temperature sensor, but the measurement is based on the so called zero heat flux principle which is used in "low power core temperature monitoring" for continuous monitoring of patients temperature. According to this principle, the core temperature is measured by placing a sensor on the patient's skin, for example the forehead. Accurate temperature measurement requires the sensor to be flexible so that it rests against the skin surface to ensure that there is no air gap between the skin and the sensor, which would adversely affect measurement accuracy. [0003] Although prior art heat-flux temperature sensors are somewhat flexible, ...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, for applications where the skin is actually more mobile, such as to monitor the temperature of a newborn, or for more general use, such as outside of a hospital, their use is somewhat limited due to the lack of contact with the skin surface. flexible

Also, prior art sensors are obtrusive for neonates requiring adhesives on the skin, or for non-high acuity applications that are visible on the patient's forehead, requiring changes to the patient's appearance

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